Title : Sawarabi

Artist : Utagawa Kunisada

Date : 1847

Details : More information...

Source : Japanese Art Open Database
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Description : "Sono Sugata Yukari no Utsushie", or "Pictures Traced from the Remains of His Form", An Authentic Nineteenth Century Japanese Woodblock Print by Kunisada, Printed c. 1847-1852 Description: A guaranteed genuine Japanese woodblock print from the nineteeth century, depicting a scene from the 48th chapter of the Tale of Genji, Lady Murasaki's 11th century classic. This print is from a set of 54, one for each chapter of the Genji, all in horizontal format. This scene depicts one of the Uji chapters of the novel, with Kaoru and Prince Niou, who are rivals for the love of Ukifune, meeting in an ornate interior. Serving women rush to prepare the zabutons for Kaoru, whose hands make a gesture like those of a kabuki actor. This series was a huge success in Edo for its imaginative depiction of luxury (an outlawed aspect of life for rich merchants under Tokugawa law). Here we are treated to rich painted screens, a lacquer table with a globe, fancy cushions and an ikebana arrangement in a Chinese vase in the alcove. A decorative Genji crest border surrounds the image. The print is signed Ichiyosai Toyokuni-Ga and has double censor seals (1847-1852). The publisher's mark is Sen-ichi. The print is trimmed of its outer white border, but elsewise is very good, with excellent colors. One wormhole on the left edge, and a smaller one at top. Not backed or repaired.

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